News

A new clinical study suggests that the popular “5:2” intermittent fasting diet—where individuals eat normally for five days and consume very low calories on two non-consecutive days each week—could be the most flexible and effective approach for weight loss and blood glucose improvement in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, recently presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 conference in San Francisco, compared three well-known dietary strategies and found that all offer benefits, but the intermittent approach may provide unique advantages for those struggling to manage diabetes and weight.

A newly published medical study has identified a potential connection between the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and changes in the cornea—the transparent front part of the eye—raising questions about possible implications for certain individuals at risk of vision problems. While researchers have emphasized that the detected changes appear to be temporary and have not led to loss of vision in the study group, these findings raise important considerations, especially for people with pre-existing ocular conditions.

A groundbreaking new study published in Science Advances has upended the commonly held belief that the sex of a baby is purely a matter of chance, revealing that birth sex patterns within families may follow unique, weighted probabilities. This research—based on more than 146,000 pregnancies from over 58,000 women across nearly six decades—suggests that some families have a higher likelihood of producing multiple children of the same sex, offering fresh insight into age-old questions about why some parents end up with, for instance, “all girls” or “all boys” (Washington Post).

A new dietary recommendation from nutrition experts is challenging the well-established “five-a-day” fruit and vegetable rule, advocating instead for a remarkably diverse plant-centric approach. Recent research and expert opinion report that regularly consuming 30 different plants per week—far surpassing the classic advice of five daily servings—may substantially improve gut health and overall wellbeing. This shift, supported by findings from major studies such as the American Gut Project, is sparking conversation in Thailand and across the globe regarding how dietary diversity can transform modern eating habits and public health.

Probiotics are popular for gut health and immunity, but how strong is the science behind them? In Thailand, interest is rising as social media buzz, fermented foods, and an expanding probiotic market intersect with everyday diets. A 2025 Asia-Pacific trend report notes growing use of probiotic products in Thai households, from yogurt drinks to plant-based beverages and fortified cereals.

Experts warn that benefits are not universal. The impact of probiotics depends on the specific strain, dose, and a person’s health status. A comprehensive 2025 review shows that some probiotics may assist certain cancer treatments, immune function, and gastrointestinal health in specific contexts, but results vary. Claims about broad benefits, such as preventing eczema or common colds, are not consistently supported.

A groundbreaking new study challenges the centuries-old understanding of what it means to live well, suggesting that happiness and meaning are not the only pillars of the “good life.” Instead, researchers have introduced a third dimension—psychological richness—centering on curiosity, variety, and the kind of challenging experiences that transform one’s perspective, even if they are neither pleasurable nor overtly meaningful. This innovative “third path” is now receiving international attention, and its implications resonate deeply with Thai readers seeking new ways to define personal fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.

A top Android executive at Google argues that computer science should be reframed to emphasize solving real-world problems, not just teaching coding. As artificial intelligence accelerates software automation, Thai students, educators, and policymakers are reassessing which skills universities should prioritize.

Thailand’s education system has seen rising STEM enrollments under national plans to boost innovation and competitiveness. With AI increasingly handling routine programming tasks, educators stress the need for broader competencies. The Google executive describes CS as the science of designing solutions and building complex systems through teamwork and critical thinking, not merely learning Java or other languages.

A new international study links honor-focused cultures with higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts. The research suggests that pressures around reputation and face can amplify stress and deter people from seeking help. For Thai readers, this underscores why culturally informed mental health support matters in Thailand’s communities and schools.

Thai society values respect, hierarchy, and communal harmony. These strengths can also make talking about distress difficult. Understanding how cultural expectations affect mental health is essential as Thailand scales up prevention services and youth-focused interventions.

A new wave of scholarship challenges the idea that the United States once enjoyed a pristine age of health. The debate feeds public discourse and political messaging, including campaigns like “Make America Healthy Again.” Yet a careful review of history shows a more nuanced story where health advances came through persistent effort, not nostalgia.

The lure of a healthier past grows as concerns about chronic disease, ultra-processed foods, and health equity persist. Some argue that earlier dietary habits—before modern food processing—were inherently better. However, historians and nutrition researchers remind us that every era faced its own nutrition challenges. In the early 20th century, medical guidance varied widely. Some doctors endorsed three substantial meat-based meals daily, while early vegetarians and fitness advocates promoted lighter or plant-forward diets. Malnutrition, infectious diseases, and limited access to healthcare remained constant threats.

A growing interest in high-protein diets among fitness enthusiasts in Thailand may unintentionally burden the kidneys. New, accessible guidance suggests that both the amount and source of protein influence chronic kidney disease risk, especially for those with existing risk factors.

Kidney health matters because these organs filter waste from protein metabolism. In Thailand, CKD remains a public health concern with regional differences, and many people are unaware of their kidney status. Hypertension and diabetes—common in the country—compound long-term risk. Routine screening and early detection are crucial, since kidney damage can develop with few or no symptoms.

A new review of over-the-counter mood supplements helps clarify what might help for mild to moderate depression—and where evidence remains limited. The analysis examined 209 studies and was led by researchers from Southern Cross University, offering a clearer view for Thai consumers navigating a busy market of vitamins, herbs, and dietary products.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, including Thailand. Many people turn to mood boosters such as omega-3 capsules or herbal teas due to stigma around treatment, cost barriers, or hesitation about prescription medicines. In Thailand, rising health awareness and a thriving herbal-supplement scene linked to traditional medicine mirror global trends highlighted by the review.

Rising interest in half- and full-marathons in Thailand and beyond means more runners train through the region’s hottest months. New research from exercise physiologists shows heat adaptation is achievable and can boost performance when planning is careful and safety is prioritized.

Thai runners preparing for Bangkok’s marathon or Chiang Mai’s half marathon often hit peak heat during key training cycles. The challenge is training hard while staying safe in tropical heat. Recent findings offer practical, Thailand-relevant guidance for staying efficient and healthy.

Every day, Thais and people across the world experience the magical yet mysterious transformation from the depths of sleep to waking consciousness—a process that remarkably shapes our mood, alertness, and even safety. A groundbreaking new study published in Current Biology by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and the University of Lausanne has, for the first time, mapped this journey in striking detail. Using over 1,000 awakenings recorded second by second with high-density EEG technology, the international research team has unraveled the choreography of the awakening brain, offering tantalizing clues to why some mornings we feel energetic and others groggy—and new hope for millions struggling with sleep disorders.

A simple change in walking pace could significantly extend independence for Thailand’s aging population. A Chicago study found that seniors who increased their walking cadence during exercise were more likely to improve endurance and resist frailty. The finding offers practical guidance for Thai communities where daily walks are common among older adults.

Frailty is a medical syndrome marked by muscle weakness, fatigue, slow movement, and reduced activity. It raises the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and loss of independence. Official data show Thailand’s population is aging rapidly, with more than 18 percent over 60 and about 15 percent of these individuals being frail or pre-frail. This growing burden underscores the need for accessible interventions that fit everyday life.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that simply increasing walking speed by 14 steps per minute could help older adults dramatically improve their physical abilities and maintain independence—a finding with significant implications for Thailand’s rapidly aging population. Researchers in Chicago discovered that seniors who walked just a little faster during exercise were far more likely to boost their walking endurance and stave off the debilitating effects of frailty, a condition that affects one in six Thais over age 60 (source).

The journey from fitness novice to muscle-building success is being redefined by a growing number of older adults, as exemplified by the remarkable story of a 71-year-old woman who turned half her body weight into muscle (Women’s Health UK). Her transformation, which began after a routine body composition scan exposed the need for more than just weight loss, is inspiring fitness communities worldwide, including in Thailand, where the number of ageing citizens continues to rise and concerns over senior health are intensifying.

A large international study suggests that improving daily stress coping over nearly 20 years is linked to becoming more outgoing, agreeable, and open to new experiences. Conversely, individuals who struggle with everyday stress may grow more withdrawn and hesitant to try new things. For Thai readers, these findings offer a practical path to better mental health amid rapid work and social changes.

The Thai experience mirrors global trends. Urban pressures, academic demands, and family responsibilities contribute to rising anxiety among adults and students. The study, published in Psychology and Aging, is among the most extensive examinations of how daily stress handling relates to personality over time. Data from more than 2,000 participants show that stronger stress-regulation skills accompany increases in sociability and openness, while declining coping correlates with withdrawal.

A newly published analysis is shaking up popular beliefs about charisma, revealing that while this seemingly magical quality can boost career success and social influence, having too much of it may actually become a liability—especially for leaders. The findings, outlined in a recent column in The Atlantic, draw on extensive psychological research to dispel myths about the nature of charisma and offer practical advice for Thais interested in cultivating personal magnetism without overdoing it (The Atlantic).

A major new study has found that individuals who improve their ability to handle daily stress tend to become more extroverted, agreeable, and open to new experiences over nearly two decades—a discovery with important implications for mental health and personal growth across Thailand. Conversely, the research shows that those struggling to manage stressors gradually become more introverted, unfriendly, and closed off to new experiences, highlighting stress management as a crucial catalyst for positive personality change.

A six-year study presented at ENDO 2025 challenges the view that aging alone governs men’s sexual health. Researchers found that even modest rises in blood sugar, rather than age or testosterone alone, are linked to declines in sperm quality, erectile function, and libido. The findings underscore the importance of metabolic health for men’s sexual vitality in Thailand and beyond.

Traditionally, discussions about declining male sexual and reproductive health have focused on hormones and aging. The new study, led by a senior endocrinologist, suggests that subtle metabolic changes—especially small increases in blood sugar—may play a larger role than previously recognized. “Although age and testosterone have long been linked to changes in sexual health, our findings show these shifts align more closely with modest rises in blood sugar and other metabolic changes,” the lead researcher noted. The takeaway: lifestyle management and regular blood sugar monitoring could help preserve sexual health with age.

A new review of over-the-counter supplements popular among people with depression has found that while some may offer benefits—particularly for those with mild to moderate symptoms—the evidence supporting most supermarket remedies remains limited and nuanced. The findings, drawing from an assessment of 209 studies and reviewed by prominent researchers at Southern Cross University, further clarify the role of widely available vitamins, herbal products, and dietary supplements in mental health care as Thai consumers face a similarly surging marketplace for such treatments.

A new wave of nutrition experts is challenging the classic “five-a-day” guideline. They argue a broader plant-based repertoire, targeting 30 different plant types weekly, can support gut health and overall wellbeing. This shift aligns global research with Thai eating patterns, inviting readers to embrace biodiversity at every meal.

Global diet-related diseases are rising, including in Thailand. Ultra-processed foods, high sugar intake, and a move away from traditional plant-rich meals contribute to obesity and metabolic syndrome. In response, health professionals emphasize not just more vegetables, but a diverse range of plant foods as a cornerstone of a balanced diet. This approach fits both international findings and local culinary habits.

A notable health story is resonating across Thailand as aging populations rise. A 71-year-old woman transformed half her body weight into muscle, proving that disciplined, enjoyable activity can redefine aging. Her journey began after a routine body composition scan showed insufficient muscle mass rather than a simple call for weight loss. The milestone has sparked conversations in Thai fitness and public health circles about sustainable movement for seniors.

Thailand faces a rapidly aging society. Data from the National Statistical Office indicate that about one in five Thais will be over 60 by 2030. This makes strength, mobility, and social engagement in later life a public priority. The featured individual started exercising after decades of inactivity, inspired by her mother’s mobility struggles and a personal health wake-up call in her seventies. She followed a program that combined cardio and resistance work, guided by a body composition assessment.

Recent research suggests that while self-awareness is widely celebrated as a key to personal growth and social success, there can be a downside to being overly focused on oneself—a phenomenon increasingly relevant in today’s hyperconnected and comparison-driven world. Psychologists and neuroscientists are now grappling with the question: Can you be too self-aware for your own good?

Self-awareness, defined as the capacity to consciously recognize one’s character, feelings, motives, and desires, has long been prized, especially in education and leadership circles. Thai culture, rooted in Buddhist principles of mindfulness and self-reflection, places a similar value on understanding oneself. The expectation is that this awareness leads to more mindful choices and harmonious relationships. But the latest scientific findings, covered by research in the fields of psychology and cognitive neuroscience, point to more nuanced effects—raising important considerations for individuals, educators, and mental health professionals in Thailand and globally.